tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69087792016-05-05T15:44:25.592+01:00Following Charlie<i>Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!</i>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-55229308393919218092015-09-07T16:41:00.001+01:002015-09-07T16:43:21.798+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3kHzxGiTxA/Ve2wKiaIawI/AAAAAAAAKI8/W2D18U62Wy8/s1600/cdphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3kHzxGiTxA/Ve2wKiaIawI/AAAAAAAAKI8/W2D18U62Wy8/s320/cdphoto.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-13911720478540151062013-10-23T10:27:00.004+01:002013-10-23T10:27:41.351+01:00Insanity sets in!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgzgHcQKLXs/UmeV6tKFA_I/AAAAAAAAJVw/eNLY1NKK7Yk/s1600/insanity-workout-schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgzgHcQKLXs/UmeV6tKFA_I/AAAAAAAAJVw/eNLY1NKK7Yk/s200/insanity-workout-schedule.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes its true, I have started the 60 day Insanity Workout Challenge...and today sees me successfully finishing week 1. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have set up a sister blog to record my progress throughout this challenge so please visit <a href="http://the60dayartofinsanity.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">for daily updates on how I am getting on! It would also be great to hear from anyone else who is also doing the Insanity challenge...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-35057828632595106682013-05-09T12:26:00.000+01:002013-05-09T12:26:35.203+01:00Walking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPPfETxOB_k/UYuHzM0e_WI/AAAAAAAAInc/Cl3sgBqGCvw/s1600/FC_walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPPfETxOB_k/UYuHzM0e_WI/AAAAAAAAInc/Cl3sgBqGCvw/s200/FC_walking.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have recently been doing lots of walking and I am loving it. I am trying to get out most days for at least an hour and then trying to do at least one longer walk each week too (currently the longest walk I have done is 11 miles). I would like to increase this longer one over the coming weeks as I am thinking of doing a&nbsp;walking&nbsp;event challenge, probably one organised by the <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/challenge_events/events_list.php?list_type=L&amp;event_type=A" target="_blank">Long Distance Walkers Association</a>, which is likely to be 20 miles or more! Has anyone done one of these events and if so, would you recommend it?Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-25047376991588461092013-04-30T14:02:00.001+01:002013-04-30T14:02:33.611+01:00Following Charlie being revived after a long absence!To say I have been quiet on here of late is an understatement but the time feels right just now to revive 'Following Charlie'; it also coincides with a very positive and happy time in my life, where I have started on a journey to better health and fitness as well as changing my eating habits, walking loads and generally enjoying the great outdoors. So please pop by every now and then and say hello or stay for a while, you will always be welcome :-)Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-13269223562666098312011-05-02T01:57:00.001+01:002011-05-02T01:57:14.894+01:00Off to the Great WallWe are leaving the hotel this morning to head out to the wall. trekking starts today and it's going to be a hot one! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/01/3214.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/01/s_3214.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-74803177597943052432011-04-10T22:00:00.000+01:002011-04-14T13:08:47.973+01:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRMqrIqWW4E/TabHkX8pdiI/AAAAAAAAGzg/N-CzvDMQfAI/s1600/CD%2BRotterdam%2BMarathon%2BCloseUp.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i style="font-weight: bold; "><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRMqrIqWW4E/TabHkX8pdiI/AAAAAAAAGzg/N-CzvDMQfAI/s200/CD%2BRotterdam%2BMarathon%2BCloseUp.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595379014772028962" /></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRMqrIqWW4E/TabHkX8pdiI/AAAAAAAAGzg/N-CzvDMQfAI/s1600/CD%2BRotterdam%2BMarathon%2BCloseUp.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><u><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b>Dutch goes Dutch for 26.2 miles!</b></span></u></span></a></span></span><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Today I completed my 6<sup>th</sup> full marathon; t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">his year though it was Rotterdam rather than London!</span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">The start of the race was rather a tense affair as there were no loos in sight and we ended up having to queue in a small MacDonald’s to use their toilets befor</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">e the race (as did a lot of other runners!!!) - thankfully though MacDonald’s didn’t </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">make us purchase a cheeseburger or similar for the privilege! We then had to find our way to the starting pen which wasn’t sign posted and it was generally just chaotic with no real organisation…not the best way to start a race but thankfully we made it to the start area before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> the canon went off!</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">The start was quite crowded as runners tried to find their pace and this proved a little tricky at times but after a few miles things settled and</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> the race opened up a little. The plan was for</span><span> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Charlie, </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">a fellow CYM runner and CYM’s founder, and I to stick together as far as we could and try to maintain a pace of around 8:20 minute/miles for the </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">first half of the race to give us some ‘banked seconds’ to use in the second half. In order for me to challenge my personal best time of 3:47:57 I also needed to aim for a time of around</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> 1:50 for the half and 2:50 for 20 miles…this was the plan! In the back of mind though I knew this would be a tough ask, as it was a really hot and sunny day, not ideal running conditions. However I had nothing to lose and I wanted to give myself a chance of getting a PB and if not, plan B would be to aim for a sub 4 hour finishing time.</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">The first few miles passed by quickly and we managed to pretty much stick to the timing plan. I never really feel that good for the first few miles of any run (in fact I am often only starting to get into my stride and feeling relaxed and more comfortable at around 10 miles) and today was no exception but I knew that I had strong running in me </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">as the Oakley race a couple of weeks ago had given me that confidence and our timing plan today, which we were sticking to, was re-enforcing this.</span></span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Miles 6 to half way passed with relative ease although I did at times feel like the pace was getting the better of me but I knew that I had to continue and stick with it to give myself a chance at a new PB. I kept telling myself, “this is what marathon running is all about, it shouldn’t be easy and today is the day to push myself to my limit”.</span><i style="font-weight: bold; "><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Miles 14 to 20 went according to plan and I reached 20 miles in 2 hours 50 minutes and although I felt tired and the heat/sun was taking its tol</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">l I was inspired to see the 3:45 Runners World pacers. I was thinking to myself “keep them within sight and a PB</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> is possible”…. However, as I neared the end of mile 21 the purple balloons that they were holding were getting further and further away and even though I tried I wasn’t able to pick up my pace to catch them; I looked at my watch as I completed this mile and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> realised that this was the first mile that I had let myself go over 9 minute/miles (09:14)…unfortunately I didn’t have anything left in my legs to pick up my pace again so I knew that all I could do now was focus on keeping going and try to not let the pace slip too much more.</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Miles 22 to the finish line were the toughest 4 mil</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">es I have ever run; not even London last year, where I felt awful in the last few miles, could compare </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">to how I felt today. My fitness was there but my legs had just given up, they felt heavy and were aching like mad. It was really hard mentally at this point too as I just wanted to stop and walk but I also knew that if I was going to finish and get a sub-4 hour time (Plan B was now the main focus)</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> walking</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> wasn’t an option…so I plodded on and just kept telling myself “just keep putting one foot in front of the other and it will soon be over”.</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">As I ran over the </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">‘</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">1000m to go</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">’</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> sign painted on th</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">e r</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">oad, I felt some sort of relief that the finish was here and somehow managed to pick up my pace and push for the finish line. As I crossed the line my watch read 3:56:58 – I had made it and I knew that the official time would also knock</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> off a few more seconds.</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">It’s hard to explain in words the emotion that I felt when I finished today’s race but the fact that I burst into tears as soon as I had finished I think is a </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">sign that this race was one of the hardest things I have ever done but so rewarding too.</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">This wasn’t the best marathon race for me; the heat was overpowering at times and I think it played a huge factor in everyone’s run. I am, however, delighted to have completed this race and to have got a finishing time of under 4 hours ag</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">ain (my offici</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">al finishing time is: 3:56:50). It has also made m</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">e realise that for future marathons (yes, I have already signed up for my next one!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> – Robin Hood in September) I need to put more effort into my long runs in training to ensure that the final few miles are not so painful.</span></span></p><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="yiv1840649078apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">I am so pleased to have had the chance to run this marathon and to raise money for my charity (Climb Your Mountain) and it was </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">really nice to ex</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">perience this marathon event with three CYM friends: Charlie, Stewart and Natasha – thank you all for making it a great weekend and well done on your own marathon achievements :-)</span></span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKCsZel4E2k/TabHvjx_ZBI/AAAAAAAAGzo/fpiWE3AlFb0/s200/IMG_9250_4ofUsMedalsExpo.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 162px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595379206927115282" /><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">Thank you to all my wonderful friends, colle</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">agues and family for supporting me and sponsoring me; it really is appreciated x</span></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">For anyone interested in my route and split times etc., they can be found here:</span></span></p><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></span><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78932773" target="_blank">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78932773</a></span></p> <p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><b><i><span style="color:#333333"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAV8jMBpky4/TabJMq7LpSI/AAAAAAAAGzw/r8Kgb_MXEME/s200/IMG_9231_MedalCloseUp.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595380806572549410" /></span></span></i></b></p><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><b><i><span style="color:#333333"><span class="Apple-style-span">Next stop the Great Wall of China trek, 30<sup>th</sup> April…</span></span></i></b></p><p class="yiv1840649078msonormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-74706312644448343472011-04-10T17:00:00.000+01:002011-04-14T13:36:29.765+01:00<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/11/779.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/11/s_779.jpg" border="0" width="281" height="210" style="margin:5px" /></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class="blogpress_location">Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rotterdam,%20Holland%4052.067633%2C4.315814&amp;z=10">Rotterdam, Holland</a></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-46325691977096250222011-04-06T13:33:00.002+01:002011-04-07T16:08:49.648+01:00Test blog message - testing blogging from my phone so that I can post my Rotterdam Marathon result here after the race on Sunday :-)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class="blogpress_location">Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ring%20Rd%20E,,United%20Kingdom%4052.024813%2C-0.707032&amp;z=10">Ring Rd E,,United Kingdom</a></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-1235233289555251892011-04-06T11:33:00.005+01:002011-04-06T11:37:32.433+01:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Catching Up!</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">With only 4 days to go until the Rotterdam marathon I thought I should update my blog on what has been happening and how my training has been going….I am sorry for not updating this more regularly over the past couple of months but things have been so busy with training, fundraising and generally trying to carry on with work and other life!! The result being that blogging has unfortunately had to take a back seat; however I am here now!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">My training has been going well for the marathon and as part of my training I have also completed three races:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span">) The Watford Half Marathon: this race was back in February, this was a very good race a little hillier than I remembered (!) but it was a good training run all the same. I didn’t run this race with a PB or fast finishing time in mind but I treated it purely as a training run, although I was still pleased to finish under two hours (my competitive side never leaves me unfortunately, even when I tell it too!)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">2)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span>The Milton Keynes Half Marathon: this race was on Sunday 13<sup>th</sup> March and it was a fantastic race; not only did I get a good finishing time (well good for me!) of 1 hour 47 minutes and 12 seconds I also saw lots of my CYM running friends finish the race too, some of them not having run in a formal race before, this was very special. Well done everyone :-)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">3)<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> </span>The Oakley 20 Mile race: this race was on Sunday 27<sup>th</sup> March and well what can I say other than this is the best race I have ever done…not only did I finish in a great time (again great for me and especially in relation to my marathon targets) but I felt superb at the finish, strong and with lots more to give. Thanks to my running pal Charlie for his company during the race J</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">I am now well into my tapering period and trying desperately to avoid ‘tapering madness’….which anyone who has run a marathon will completely understand. I am feeling rather restless and feel like I just want to get on with it now…..</span></p> <p class="yiv501571793msonormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span">All that’s left for me to say is thank you to everyone who has supported me and kindly sponsored me – it really is appreciated and for anyone who hasn’t yet sponsored me but would like to then please visit my JustGiving page here: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Lisa-Dutch" target="_blank">http://www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Lisa-Dutch</a> - no amount is too small or large!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">P.S. You may have noticed that I have added a Twitter feed to my blog; this is so I can post updates whilst I am in Rotterdam and then again when I do my Great Wall of China Trek later in the month (more to come on that soon!)…so please do check back as I will be tweeting everyday whilst I am away :-)</span></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-66902475140545747912011-01-05T21:45:00.004+00:002011-01-07T14:39:02.721+00:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>The 1st CYM Half Marathon Longer Run Training Session</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">This evening a group of CYM runners looking to take part in t</span>he Milton Keynes Half Marathon on the 13<sup>th</sup> March <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.mkhalf.co.uk/)">(http://www.mkhalf.co.uk/)</a> got together to start a 10 week programme of longer runs. I am leading this group and tonight saw the first of 10 runs that we will be doing. Each week we will be increasing the mileage until we are doing around 11/12 miles just prior to the half marathon in March. We had a good turn out this evening and we did a great run. Well done everyone :-)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The run stats and route can be found here:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62171426"><span class="Apple-style-span" >http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62171426</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-90194459706943003632011-01-01T16:41:00.005+00:002011-01-07T14:37:02.370+00:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>A New Year - A new running focus!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Well here I am again, starting up my blogging again to help me through the winter training to my next spring marathon. This time though the marathon is the Rotterdam one as I didn’t get into London for this year. To be honest, I am rather pleased that I am not doing London again, not because I don’t like this marathon, far from it, London will always have a special place for me (after all, it’s the first marathon I did and the only course where I have (yet!) completed the distance in under 4 hours) however four times is enough for me now and it’s about time I ventured into new territory – so Rotterdam it is! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >My pre-Christmas training has been going well; just plodding along really at a decent level allowing me to keep my base fitness alive. However, the New Year sees me start a more dedicated programme of training, helping me to get to the start line in Rotterdam on the 10th April. Not only do I hope to be fit enough to complete the 26.2 miles again I am also aiming to get my finishing time to back under the 4 hour mark. I am also lucky enough to be taking part in this marathon with three of my Climb Your Mountain (CYM) friends and colleagues which will ensure that the trip is not only rewarding on the running front but fun too! As I did last year, I will of also be raising money for CYM as part of this challenge so watch this space as I will soon be launching my Justgiving page!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">To start off the new year, I took part in the Milton Keyens Parkrun event today. This is an organised run of 5k and timed - you just have to register beforehand. </span>This is the first time I have done this event and it was a great way to start my 2011 running campaign (I was pretty pleased with my finishing time too: 24:14 an average of 07:46 minute/miles…pretty good for the first run of the year!). My run stats and route map of the Parkrun event today can be found here: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62171430">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62171430</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Hopefully after a period of dedicated healthy eating alongside my training I will also lose a few lbs – I am aiming to be as lean and as fit as I can for this year’s marathon and losing a few lbs will definitely help this cause!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Anyway enough rambling from me for one day! I hope that everyone has a healthy year full of fun, laughter and lots of running :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-376898784968667912010-04-25T21:30:00.005+01:002010-04-26T15:20:12.178+01:00<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S9WTMJVimcI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/qykufcfor8o/s1600/Charlotte+Finish+London+Marathon+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464435559757945282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S9WTMJVimcI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/qykufcfor8o/s200/Charlotte+Finish+London+Marathon+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Virgin London Marathon 2010 - completed in 4:02:39</strong> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Wow, what a great race today and very different to the others I have done. For a start it was raining heavily at the beginning and then became very humid and then the clouds lifted and the sunshine appeared. Regardless of the weather it was another great London Marathon with the crowds cheering and the streets lined with spectators from mile 1 to mile 26.2 - the carnival atmosphere was once again there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">For me, the race couldn't have got off to a better start; although the start was crowded and the running was slow going (whilst everyone found their pace) I felt good and strong. As the miles progressed I started to pick up my pace and found my rhythm. I thought I was running a little fast at times but it felt good so I continued. The miles passed and the spectators continued to shout and cheer everyone on. Miles 1 to 21 were superb for me, I felt I was gliding along with ease and looking at my watch I seemed to be within reach of a finishing time of between 3hrs 50<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mins</span> and 4hrs....however just after 21 miles something happened, my legs started to get very heavy and it was if I was suddenly having to run whilst carrying someone else on my shoulders. At around 21.5 miles I heard my name being shouted out by my good running friend and this really spurred me on. However, miles 22 to the finish were a struggle and this is where my mental strength had to take over as physically my body was telling me it had had enough and that I should stop! However, I kept focused and kept running (albeit a lot slower now) and without really being able to take in the world around me, I was consumed by tiredness and focused only on one thing: getting to that finish line. It was a delight to see the 800m to go sign and I don't know how but I picked up my pace (probably my bodies way of saying 'get this over with now') and ended the race at a near sprint in 4 hours, 2 minutes and 39 seconds......wonderful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This was my fourth London Marathon and probably the toughest and although it wasn't a personal best time for me this year it was still very special. The London Marathon is a fantastic event, a world class marathon and I am so pleased to have had the chance to run it again and to raise money for my charity (Climb Your Mountain).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family and a special thanks to my lovely husband and daughter for travelling up to London with me today and for supporting me. Sorry I didn't see you both at mile 25 but I was beyond looking for anything at this point apart from the finish line x</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For anyone that is interested in the route and my split times etc, they can be found here: </span><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31235158"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31235158</span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For me, I am now getting into the hot tub to sooth my aching legs with a nice glass of wine :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-75729893309330979082010-04-11T16:25:00.000+01:002010-04-14T10:11:36.293+01:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The perfect running day</strong><br /><br />Wow, what a lovely weekend we are having and this morning the weather was perfect for running. I headed off to Newlands at 9am and did a fast 5 miles (laps around Willen Lake) before joining up with my CYM running club. The club run today was great; about 7 of us did a fast run up to the canal and then along to Willen Lake and around the top lake (a total of around 3½ miles) but all done at a really good pace (between 8 and 8 ½ minute miles) it felt really good to stretch the legs and to push myself. After the club run I continued and did another lap of both lakes to complete a total running distance of 12½ miles for today – all of them wonderful :-)<br /><br />The marathon is only two weeks away now and I am starting to get very excited about it as well as a little apprehensive. I know that my training has gone well but I also know that I haven’t managed the extra couple of long runs over the past couple of weeks that I had planned due to a slight injury on my right foot and this is worrying me a little. I’m sure it will be fine but I can’t help but worry a little! Also, hopefully the weather conditions on race day will be similar to today.</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-75480391284382131922010-03-28T17:00:00.001+01:002010-04-22T11:54:06.710+01:00<p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Oakley 20 mile race</strong><br /><br />Today I ran in my first ever 20 mile race; I have done shorter and longer distances but never 20 miles. I was looking forward to it as I was treating it as my long training run for the week and normally I have to do these on my own and I must admit that I do find these long runs really hard (mentally) when I am on my own.<br /><br />The race was superb; the weather was sunny (although the wind was tough going at times) and the course was very scenic. It was undulating but I found it useful to have some hills in my training, normally my routes in Milton Keynes are flat (with the occasional incline) but we did have to run up some tough hills today and it was a good challenge. I will definitely be looking to run this again next year and as a bonus we got a really nice hoodie instead of a medal!<br /><br />I felt strong throughout the run which has also given me confidence for the marathon. I am thinking I may need to do one or two more longer runs (probably another 20 miles this coming weekend followed by maybe an 18 mile run the week after) and then it will be time to taper J I am actually getting very excited about the marathon as its now only 4 weeks away!</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">If anyone is interested in the route and my stats for the race, they can be found here: </span><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30798998"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30798998</span></a></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-16071121660580808372010-03-27T15:15:00.000+00:002010-04-01T15:15:58.878+01:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Training going well</strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I have had a good few long runs over the past few weekends; I have done a 17 and 18 mile and then last Friday, straight after work I did a good (slightly faster) 15 ½ mile run. Tomorrow sees me running in the Oakley 20 mile race and I am looking forward to it although I am told it is quite a tough undulating course!</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-49474113224511079852010-03-07T18:10:00.001+00:002010-04-01T15:14:45.872+01:00<div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Milton Keynes Half Marathon</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">My friend and I had a really good race at the MK Half Marathon today. The weather was perfect and the organisation of the race was superb. It was a new course this year starting outside of the Exscape building and it was a well attended race. It actually felt (atmosphere wise) a little like the start of a major marathon, it was really good. The course was also well thought out and very enjoyable although I think my friend would disagree about the final hill coming into the finish J Excellent race and I will definitely be entering this one again next year. </span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-45652056455878795192010-03-02T21:00:00.000+00:002010-03-03T16:45:47.996+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A solid 10k run this evening which at times resembled both a cross country course and a steeple chase race!<br /></strong><br />After work my friend and I headed out to do a 10k run; we normally do a longer run (between 8-10 miles) but as we are both running in the MK Half Marathon this coming Sunday we have reduced our mileage this week and decided this evening to do a faster but shorter run instead. So a 10k route from the Open University up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Willen</span> Lake (via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Woughton</span> Park) around the first lake and then back again; simple we thought – well it would have been if the paths <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hadn</span>’t been flooded. The problem was that once we had navigated ourselves safely around a few puddles we were committed and it just got worse! The first major hurdle was a bridge that was no longer a bridge but had been lost in the water, all that remained were the wooden sides of the bridge that we had to climb on and along to get across, this was soon followed by a few minutes of side stepping and balancing on metal fencing to get across the next large puddle (puddle in this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">situation</span> really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">doesn</span>’t do it justice, ‘small lake’ would be more appropriate!). You really had to be there to truly appreciate what we had to climb over and along just to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Willen</span> Lake! The return route was quickly re-thought and I am pleased to report free of any water obstacles! At least we had a good laugh about the situation and the the rest of the run was solid and fast, even if we did leave a trail of mud behind us :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-54337934756153638822010-02-28T18:45:00.001+00:002010-02-28T18:45:00.345+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A long and wet 17 miles this morning.....</strong></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong><div align="justify"><br />This morning I headed out early (6:30am!) for my long run as I wanted to get it completed without impacting the rest of the day for the family. So, off I ventured into a dark, misty and wet morning which really didn't get that much better for the whole 17.24 miles; well OK it got a little lighter but that was about it. I think the perfect description of my run today is that it was 'horrible and good all at the same time'. The horrible part was the wet weather which meant that after about 30 minutes into my run I was soaked through to my skin (which isn't a nice way to run) and then the cold that soon followed....the good is the fact that I covered 17.24 miles (I set out with 17 miles as my target) and it feels great to have accomplished this distance today. Also, it's good as it shows me that I can deal with the challenges that I am faced with...there is no doubt that on many occasions throughout my run today I questioned myself on what I was doing but each time I kept reminding myself that marathon training is hard and that to succeed I need to be strong both mentally and physically and today without any doubt I trained both these elements!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Also today saw me completing 116 miles in total for February - I am very pleased with this :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-45277295200786102592010-02-26T13:24:00.008+00:002010-02-26T14:00:25.487+00:00<div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">A good lunchtime run, with some fast intervals</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I did a good solid run this lunchtime; incorporating some fast interval sessions during the middle of the run and the whole run was made extra challenging by the windy weather conditions! It was however nice to add some speed and has made me <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">realise</span> that I need to try to incorporate more speed sessions into my weekly training. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A wonderful way to spend a lunchtime :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-40474851184140730412010-02-24T21:15:00.001+00:002010-02-26T13:59:48.878+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A great 10½ mile run after work<br /></strong><br />This evening my friend and I ventured out straight after work with the intention of running part of the MK Half Marathon route (in preparation for the race on the 7th March, which we are both running in) and I’m pleased to report that we not only managed to complete what we set out to do, but we both felt really strong at the finish.<br /><br />Tomorrow is a rest day for me and then I intend to run 3-4 miles on Friday lunchtime – perhaps doing a few fast intervals!! Then its cross-training on Saturday and my long run on Sunday (17 miles this week!)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-18573158879109462842010-02-21T21:30:00.002+00:002010-02-26T13:59:23.638+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A really good week of running….<br /></strong><br />….finished off nicely with a steady 15½ mile long run today! and thanks to everyone running with CYM this morning for doing the first 4 miles with me :-)<br /><br />This week has been a really strong running week for me, seeing me run 5 out of the 7 days and totalling 37 miles. The defining point though was today’s long run where I still felt strong after 15½ miles; this was very satisfying and encouraging!<br /><br />The following is a summary of my runs this week:<br /><br /><strong>Monday 15th:</strong> 3M pace run<br /><strong>Tuesday 16th:</strong> 5M steady<br /><strong>Wednesday 17th:</strong> 10.5 steady<br /><strong>Thursday 18th:</strong> Rest day<br /><strong>Friday 19th:</strong> Rest day<br /><strong>Saturday 20th:</strong> 3M easy<br /><strong>Sunday 21st:</strong> 15.5M long<br /><br />Happy running everyone :-)<br /></div></span>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-13783179295604052032010-02-16T12:54:00.008+00:002010-02-16T13:31:27.903+00:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S3qde95X3MI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/DrH3Oa-ce_g/s1600-h/TREE_CATHEDRAL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438832655340133570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S3qde95X3MI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/DrH3Oa-ce_g/s200/TREE_CATHEDRAL.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">A good 5 miles along the canal broadway and parts of the Millennium circular route (route 51)</span></strong><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It was nice to head out this morning without a route in mind. I started from Newlands and headed up towards the canal and then in to Campbell Park, following the Millennium circular route (route 51) most of the time. I then did my final two miles along the canal before heading back to Newlands and finding something I never knew existed behind the car park in Newlands: the cathedral of trees. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(Information on the cathedral of trees can be found at the Parks Trust website: <a href="http://www.mkweb.co.uk/parks-trust/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=33114">http://www.mkweb.co.uk/parks-trust/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=33114</a><a href="http://www.mkweb.co.uk/parks-trust/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=33114">=33114</a>). I will</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> definitely be going back here with my camera when the weather is better.</span></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It was good run this morning; not fast and not that long but steady. I am hoping to do a longer run (hopefully 10 miles) tomorrow after work so I thought I shouldn't push myself too much today. </span></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I must admit that until recently I haven't done much running along side the canal but recently I have had the opportunity and I really do enjoy it. There is something quite peaceful about it, made better when you see a bar<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S3qdyR44djI/AAAAAAAAFCY/11yn8YfjAss/s1600-h/moose+drool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438832987124299314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S3qdyR44djI/AAAAAAAAFCY/11yn8YfjAss/s200/moose+drool.jpg" border="0" /></a>ge moving along the waterways. The smell this morning of the log burning fires on the barges moored at Campbell Park was lovely. The names of some of the barges are quite fun too. There is a lovely painted one, moored this morning at Campbell Park, named 'Paris' and another one called 'Violet Clare 2' but my favourite one that I saw this morning was a double width barge called 'Moose Drool'! </span></div></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-20456766088576707542010-02-13T18:33:00.006+00:002010-02-13T18:40:34.717+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A good solid 7 mile run with a couple of fast miles in the middle!</strong></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I was supposed to do a six mile run with some faster ‘surges’ yesterday but yesterday the day ran away with me and I just didn’t get the time. So instead I swapped yesterday and today around and did the run this morning. I also did a mile more than I was scheduled, not really because I wanted to but just because I had to as I was still a mile away from home when my watch chimed 6 miles!Although today hasn’t been a very nice day (weather wise) this morning when I was out it was perfect running weather. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My route today took me through Ouzel Valley Park and onto Willen Lake. I did one lap of the smaller lake before heading home back through the park. I also upped my pace for the Willen Lake lap and pushed myself to under 8 minute miles for two miles; it was tough as around the lake there always seems to be a head wind (<em>how does that work!</em>) but it was rewarding to see the fast mile times on my watch. In fact all my mile times today were under 9 minute/miles so this is very pleasing! My aim is to get my average minute/mile time for long/easy runs to around 8 ½ in time for the marathon. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So, I am very pleased with today’s run and I am looking forward to my long run tomorrow. My aim tomorrow is to head out at about 9am and do an hour of running before I meet up with my CYM running group. I will do another 3 to 4 miles with them and then I aim to run home again via the canal to hopefully complete a total of 14 miles.............<em>watch this space! </em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">P.S. Thank you to everyone at work who has sponsored me so far (Bev, Andy, David, Ruth, Jamie, Julian and Paul); CYM and I really appreciate your support. Cheers guys :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-61659925209637546692010-02-10T21:00:00.002+00:002010-02-11T19:59:21.087+00:00<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JustGiving</span></span></span> fund raising page</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JustGiving</span></span></span> fund raising page is now live and ready to take all of your wonderful and much appreciated donations!! The page can be found here: </span><a href="https://ouca.open.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=5d810a74b8614c13902e83249978de5f&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justgiving.com%2fCharlotte-Dutch" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Dutch</span></a> <p><span style="font-family:verdana;">As many of you already know, this will be my 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></span></span> London Marathon (and probably my last!) but I do intend to enjoy it and to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">raise</span> as much money as I can for my charity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">My charity is called </span><a href="https://ouca.open.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=5d810a74b8614c13902e83249978de5f&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.climbyourmountain.org%2f" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Climb Your Mountain</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CYM</span></span></span>). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CYM</span></span></span> is a unique and innovative charity based in Milton Keynes that helps people to climb the personal mountains that they face in life, whether it be depression, stress, anxiety, low confidence or low self-esteem. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CYM</span></span></span> offers support, training, motivation and opportunities to prevent, deal with and overcome issues. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CYM</span></span></span> does this by focusing on exercise and inspiring physical activities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">I would really appreciate it if you would help me with my challenge by sponsoring me; no amount is too small or too large!<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Thanks everyone :-)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P.S. Although I say it will be my last London Marathon, it isn't necessarily going to be my <em>last marathon</em>: I have aims (some time in the future) to run a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">European</span> marathons and maybe even New York and Boston one day! However for the very near future (after London) I will be concentrating on my favourite running <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">distance</span> 'the half marathon'! :-)</span></p>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908779.post-42601261291265607502010-02-07T16:07:00.009+00:002010-02-07T16:31:15.032+00:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A great weekend of running, which rounds off a great week of running!</strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have had a great weekend of running this weekend. I didn't venture out for my 6 mile run on Friday (I wasn't feeling 100% all day) so instead I decided to do a shorter run yesterday (4 miles) and included some hill reps; it worked out well and I felt strong on the hills (which is good news as I have been trying to do more hill work during the week so may be this is a sign that it is paying off!). </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S27qHGo7X0I/AAAAAAAAFCA/woOfhTHsugg/s1600-h/linford+manor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435539208045027138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 111px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 44px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4gMsAh5Qg5o/S27qHGo7X0I/AAAAAAAAFCA/woOfhTHsugg/s200/linford+manor.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then today I joined up with Jane and others from <a href="http://www.climbyourmountain.org/">CYM</a> to take part in the Parks Trust 10k run which set off from Great Linford, near the Manor. It was a great run and it was really nice to run with Jane...I then set off to run home along the Canal Broadway which added just over another 10k to my training today so a good solid 12 miles of running in total with some faster average miles than I have been doing in my longer runs, so I am very pleased with this.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Today's 12 miles sees me completing just under 30 miles this week with lots of variation and enjoyment :-)</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Parks Trust runs are held each month (the first Sunday in each month) and they set off from different places around Milton Keynes each month. They normally have three distances to choose from (2k, 5k and 10k mostly). They are informal, you don't have to sign up beforehand you can just turn up and decide on the day how far you want to run. If you are interested the details are on there website <a href="http://www.theparkstrust.com/parks-trust-search/home.asp?q=runs">HERE</a>!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Next week I am scheduled to do the following:</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Monday:</strong> Rest or 5M easy, off-road<br /><strong>Tuesday:</strong> Warm up, 3 x 10 mins @ 1/2 marathon pace, with 4-min recoveries<br /><strong>Wednesday:</strong> 8-10M, easy/steady<br /><strong>Thursday:</strong> Rest<br /><strong>Friday:</strong> 6M steady with a few surges<br /><strong>Saturday:</strong> Warm-up, 3M at a brisk pace, warm-down<br /><strong>Sunday:</strong> 13M easy</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Have a good week everyone :-)</span></div>Charlotte Dutchnoreply@blogger.com0